Toronto Blue Jays’ Anthony Gose making case to stick in the majors at plate and in outfield

BOSTON — When the Toronto Blue Jays called him up, outfielder Kevin Pillar said his goal was to make it impossible for them to send him back to Buffalo. Instead, it’s another recent call-up – Anthony Gose — who is writing that scenario at the moment.

Manager John Gibbons originally said he planned to platoon Pillar and Gose in centre field while Colby Rasmus recovers from a hamstring injury. Pillar bats right-handed, Gose left-handed. But when Thursday’s lineup was posted, there was Gose playing centre against Boston Red Sox lefty Jon Lester.

Gose, 23, has seven hits in 23 at-bats over 10 games after collecting a double off Red Sox lefty Jon Lester on Thursday. But his speed and grace on defence have highlighted his latest promotion to the big leagues. He typically gets good reads on balls off the bat, quickly closing gaps to run down line drives. He also moves back well and shows no fear of outfield walls.